Kartik Aaryan has come under fire ever since an announcement was made that he is set to appear at an event in the US organised by a Pakistani-owned entity. Ever since the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has banned Pakistani artists and also Indian artists collaborating with any Pakistani-supported event or work. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has now sent a letter to the ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’ actor and warned him to not participate in this event. The event, titled Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day, is scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas, on August 15, 2025, with Kartik listed as the lead guest. FWICE has now raised concerns about the actor’s participation, pointing out that the host venue — Aga’s Restaurant and Catering, is owned by Pakistani national Mr Shaukat Maredia.In an official letter addressed to Kartik, FWICE wrote, “It is with a sense of deep concern and responsibility that the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) brings to your notice a matter involving your scheduled participation in an event titled Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day to be held in Houston, USA, on 15th August 2025. As per the attached poster, you are being featured as the lead guest for this celebration. While such events are a source of pride and cultural expression for Indians abroad, we regret to inform you that this specific program is being organized by a Pakistani-owned restaurant, Aga’s Restaurant and Catering, owned by Mr. Shaukat Maredia.”The federation also claimed that the same restaurant is hosting a Pakistan Independence Day celebration a day earlier, on August 14.“We believe you may not have been fully aware of the organisers’ background or affiliations. If so, we strongly urge you to immediately withdraw your participation from this event. However, if you were aware, it becomes a matter of even greater concern — and we expect a clarification and immediate distancing from such associations,” the letter added.
FWICE further elaborated on the need for artists to remain cautious and aware of who they associate with on international platforms. “We hope you will take this matter with the seriousness it demands and act in a manner befitting your responsibility as an Indian artist,” the letter to Kartik concluded. Apart from the actor, the federation has also written to singer Javed Ali, urging him to step back from another event happening on August 31, which is said to feature Pakistani performers.So far, Kartik Aaryan has not issued a public response to the letter.
